Memory Controller ECC Decoding for Faster Error Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory controllers face inefficiencies in determining the type of errors occurring in memory modules, leading to excessive resource consumption and delay due to unnecessary calculations for determining error positions, especially when the probability of correctable errors is low.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller is designed with processing circuitry that performs ECC decoding using a first and second portion of a parity check matrix to generate syndromes, determining the type of error based on a decision syndrome, and selectively calculating error positions only when correctable errors are present, thereby reducing unnecessary calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory controller performs full ECC decoding to determine error positions, then error correction capability is improved, but resource consumption and processing delay increase due to unnecessary calculations when errors are not correctable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error determination process into two stages: first using a simplified syndrome calculation to quickly identify correctable errors, and only if needed, proceeding to full error position determination. This segmentation allows the system to avoid unnecessary full decoding operations, reducing processing delay while maintaining error correction capability for actual errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary portion of ECC decoding - using a first syndrome to determine error type and only conditionally performing the second syndrome calculation for error position determination. This partial approach avoids the excessive calculations of full decoding when errors are not present or not correctable, thereby reducing resource consumption and processing time.
2Reliability
If the memory controller performs full ECC decoding to determine error positions, then error correction capability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error determination process is segmented into a first syndrome calculation for error type identification and a conditional second syndrome calculation for error position determination. This segmentation enables the system to consume fewer resources by avoiding unnecessary full decoding operations while maintaining the capability to correct actual errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial ECC decoding by calculating only the first syndrome to determine error type, and only conditionally performing the second syndrome calculation when correctable errors are detected. This partial action significantly reduces resource consumption compared to full decoding, while preserving error correction capability when needed.
3Reliability
If the memory controller calculates error positions for all error cases, then comprehensive error handling is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments error handling into two pathways: a fast pathway using the first syndrome for correctable errors that skips detailed position calculation, and a thorough pathway using the second syndrome for non-correctable errors. This segmentation maintains comprehensive error handling while improving processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary calculations in the fast pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by performing error position determination only when necessary - specifically when the first syndrome indicates a non-correctable error pattern. For correctable errors, the system relies on the first syndrome alone, avoiding excessive position calculation operations and thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining adequate error handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller configured to control a memory module, the memory controller including processing circuitry configured to perform ECC decoding on a read codeword from the memory module using a first portion of a parity check matrix to generate a first syndrome and a second syndrome, determine a type of error in the read codeword based on the second syndrome and a decision syndrome, the decision syndrome corresponding to a sum of the first syndrome and the second syndrome, and output a decoding status flag indicating the type of error.